All about Aisa Mijeno and her SALt lamp

Kathlyn dela Cruz, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA - Filipina scientist Aisa Mijeno has no intention of competing with other inventors of sustainable alternative light sources.

In an interview on radio dzMM Thursday, Mijeno said she is aware that her invention, a lamp that runs on saltwater, may somehow affect businesses offering similar services such as companies producing solar panels.

Some Filipinos have started using solar panels to power up lights and appliances inside their homes. Solar panels, though costly, help in cutting electricity bills.

Mijeno, however, stressed that she is not out to compete with anybody, saying she fully supports those who, like her, promote the use of renewable energy.

US President Barack Obama poses with Alibaba chairman Jack Ma (left) and entrepreneur Aisa Mijeno (right) as they take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Manila on Wednesday. Photo by Saul Loeb, AFP

SUPPORT FROM GOV'T, NGOs, PRIVATE SECTOR

Mijeno's game-changing invention has received various awards and recognition from organizations in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

According to Mijeno, they are now working on mass producing the SALt lamp, which they aim to sell for less than P1,000 per unit.

She said they are now completing requirements to receive a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). They are also coordinating with non-government organizations for the distribution of the lamps in island communities.

''One of the most important things you said, in my mind at least, is that this starts from the bottom,'' Obama told Mijeno.

''If we're working at the grassroots level, seeing what folks need and figuring out efficient ways how to deliver an improved quality of life while being environmentally sustainable, that's an enormous opportunity. But it starts at looking at the aspiration and hopes of ordinary people."

According to Mijeno, she was able to talk briefly with Alibaba chairman Jack Ma backstage, where he even invited her to enter his entrepreneurship school.

They also exchanged contact information, she said. "Ang parting words po niya ay he will surely keep in touch."